Me

This blog post isn't about me.

Well, it sort of is.

But it's for a lot of women as well.

It's no secret I do not have children that are sleepers. They both were difficult from birth to make nap and sleep at night. Granted, Alexander has always been easier to get to sleep, but still some nights is quite a challenge.

Last night was no exception....I put Ryan to bed at 7:30 (due to some previous unfortunate circumstances) and he was down for the count. Alexander was playing on the computer so I let him stay for a little while longer. I really didn't see this as much of a problem until bedtime. You see, I should have kept the routine with Alex going to bed as soon as Ryan and he wouldn't have known the difference, but he did.......and REFUSED to go to bed. Seriously child? Are you kidding me? It was an all out screaming and kicking fit when I left his room. Then I heard over and over in that poor, sad kid, crying voice,
"Mommy, mommy, I need you!!!"
"What is it honey?"
"I need to give you this".....in which a bear hug ensued.
Thinking that would solve world problems, another hug and kiss it was and I exited the room; just to hear him come out again 10 minutes later. This went on for over an hour. I was beginning to get a little frustrated so I just opted to take off my slippers and crawl in bed with him. He thought it was the greatest thing ever. Oddly enough, the song playing on his playlist at that time was a song by Plumb entitled, "Me". I cry every time I listen to it. I'm putting in the video from youtube. Although it's not really the video, it's more of a picture and all the words from the song. But listen to it. The basic gist of the song is that it's "me" you need.

That's right

Me

Mom

The fixer of all things good and evil, the lover and hater of everything, grocery shopper, chauffer, & cook just to name a few.

And that's okay.

Because you see, there are some women that will never have this void filled in their life. God has given me the greatest gift in the world called motherhood, and for that I will be forever grateful.

So when my kids don't want to sleep, or get up at 4AM just to snuggle in my bed, I will remember it's "ME" they need. When you get frustrated, be grateful that you are there for them and it's YOU they need. In an instant it can all be gone.



Blessings,
Me

Patience

I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live worthily of the calling
with which you have been called,

with humility and gentleness,
with PATIENCE,
bearing with one another in love,

making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

Wow! Sometimes things just SCREAM at me!

If you know me, you know I am not a very patient person. I don't do well with people who "just don't get it". I am easily frustrated and after so much will have an outburst.

Things have gotten better as I have aged.

And having children has helped some as well because I learned early on....they "just don't get it". And they're not supposed to. That doesn't make it any easier some days. The littles try my patience daily. And although I try my hardest to be patient and understanding, some days are better than others. My hardest time comes on days like today when I have places I HAVE to get to. And I've worked the night before.....sleep is lacking and children aren't paying attention. They would rather do other things. So would I most days, but as an adult I don't have the option (how we wish we could have the naivety and carefree life of a child again).

As I was working with Ryan on his school work this afternoon (things he refused to complete in class) I was reminded ever so harshly about patience. I get very frustrated when he does something wrong that I know he can do. He is so smart...sometimes too smart for his own good. He would just sit there and stare at the sheet of paper with a blank look on his face. He knows what to do, but chooses to not. My patience wore thin. I raised my voice some and he began to cry. I've always said I would never win mother of the year award. I am not perfect and I have faults. I felt badly for that. If I would have just taken a step back and a deep breath. Isn't that what I tell him to do when he gets frustrated? Sometimes I should follow my own rules.

Slow down.

Take a step back.

Take a breath.

Say a prayer.

Try again.

God please give me the patience I need as a mom. Some days I am overwhelmed with life and my frustration levels seem to peak at the wrong times. Please give me a sense of peace knowing you are there with your hand on my shoulder, guiding me every step of the way. Help me to be the Christian example of a mom I know you want me to be for my boys. Thank you for what you give to me and the patience you have with me as a human sinner. Your blessings are overwhelming. Amen

Renee

Health

Today I am grateful for the health of my children.

I was able to carry two beautiful sons to term without much complication (yes I had HELLP with Ryan, but at least I was far enough along he didn't have a NICU stay). Both came out big, strong, and healthy and except for a glitch here and there, they've stayed that way.

In my job as a labor and delivery nurse, I see all aspects of a person's delivery. I've delivered everything from non-viable 16 week babies to full term babies that died before having a chance to live in the outside world. I've delivered the small preemies that have had to stay in the NICU for days on end and beautiful healthy full term babies that have been wanted for so long.

Every time I see something that goes wrong, my heart breaks for the family.

When something goes perfectly, I weep with joy.

My boys are my life. I am thankful for the life they have....and the life they give me in return. I am thankful that they can smile and laugh. That they can run around. That they can talk back to me (even when I don't want them to).

There are many parents that can't say this....and on this day I am grateful that I can.

Hug your kids tightly today. Let them know how important they are to you and to this world.

We have one life, once chance to live it.


Renee